Paphus Sphinx Moth
Common NamePaphus Sphinx Moth
Scientific NameManduca paphus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)105
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, black, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil and Argentina)
Host PlantsSolanum species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically large, often green or brown with a caudal horn, feeding on host plants before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the mottled gray-brown forewings, and the prominent series of orange/yellow and black spots along the sides of its abdomen.
Description
A large, robust hawk-moth with mottled gray-brown forewings featuring cryptic patterns. Its stout abdomen is marked with distinctive lateral orange/yellow and black spots.
